looking to buy my "First" bike, im looking toward kawasaki 600,rode a 750 shadow

[fubar2682]

but i want a sport bike. ? im not looking to "tear up the streets" but if i see the need to turn it up i would, i have been on a bike but this would be my first sport bike and i have heard it is a great learner bike, any suggestions?

 

[Mad Jack]

Buy something used and inexpensive for a starter bike.

Look for something old but not too old. You don't want something so old that it is a junker, but not something so new that you'll feel bad if you lay it down.

Look for something in the 500 - 800 CC engine size. This will be powerful enough so you don't get bored too soon, but not so fast that you will be afraid of it.

Look for a standard or cruiser bike for your first bike. They are more forgiving. Stay away from the sport bikes for your first bike as they require more skill. Also used sport bikes tend to be more abused.

Watch the classified section of your local news paper. Some locations have shopper magazines with used motorcycles in your area. Reasonable used bikes are out there. Be patient. Don't buy too quickly, but if you find one you like, buy it right away. Unfortunately, with the price of gas, the price of used bikes has also risen. If you find a good starter bike, don't hesitate as they can sell quickly.

Don't get hung up on any particular brand. They are all about the same. Pay more attention to the bike's condition. If any one brand were really superior to all other brands, this would be the only brand bike on the road. In addition, if any brand bike was really inferior to the other brands, nobody would buy them and the company would be out of business.

Learn on this bike. Make your mistakes on it. You will make mistakes. Nearly all new riders will lay their bike on its side at least once. Would you rather make your mistakes on an older bike or your nice shiny expensive new bike?

The most important thing you should do when getting your first bike is to take a motorcycle safety course.

After you have been riding a while and gain some experience, you can sell your starter bike and get the one you want. If maintained properly and not abused, you won't lose too much money on your starter bike. Put the money from the sale towards the bike you really want. By this time, you will have figured out what style bike best suits your riding style and needs.

If you settle on a sport bike for your next bike, avoid the used ones. As I said before, these bikes tend to be more abused. So if considering a sport bike, consider something new.

I know I used this answer before. However I feel this is good advice.

Have fun - Ride safe

 

[YZF750R]

If you can practice discipline and restraint when riding, you may be fine. It's not all fun and games on a sport bike. Even if you ride perfect you need to know how to react when other cars and bikes and trucks don't drive so perfect. That comes from building new instincts and reflexes, and driving habits. While I definitely recommend the class, the class doesn't usually teach all you need to know. Many, many riders go down every summer due to overconfidence gained by taking the class.

The first time I ever touched a motorcycle, it was a 1997 ZX6. I rode it around a parking lot for 5 minutes to find out how to shift, then rode 100 miles home on the interstate. I’ve been riding ever since with a clean riding history. (Thanks to God) So it is possible to start on something other than a 250. Generally speaking, a 600 is a beginner’s sport bike. The internet is the only place I’ve heard of anybody starting on anything other beside people who grew up riding dirt bikes.

When I ride on the highway, I assume that every car I pass or that passes me, doesn't see me and is looking to come into my lane. I'm ready for any move that car makes half a second before he makes it.

You have to learn aerodynamics. If you get to close behind a rig, the wind can trap you there. When you pass along side of a rig the wind will pull you closer to the truck at one point and push you away at another. You have to learn all this and have counter balance and movements programmed into your body reflexes. There is so much more to it. You need lots of practice.

People recommend smaller CC bikes for beginners because most newbies are into it for the speed and flashiness of it and often underestimate the seriousness of riding safe. The temptation to tap into that power is usually too great to overcome. If you know you can and will respect the bike and get at least a thousand miles of practice before hitting the highway, and before group rides, then maybe you can start on a 600cc bike. Otherwise, help yourself out and start small.

 

[kiwibob7x]

I'd definitely get something used. The kawis are really nice bikes, and gsxr's and f4i's would also make great bikes for you. sv650s too. I started off with a Yamaha FZR, which is basically a YZF, and has been great for me (I did lay it down once when a minivan didn't see me). I looked at new bikes, but I just wouldn't be able to bear it if it got scratched up or anything. Plus, you can learn more about motorcycle maintenance from an older bike! 600 is a good starting place, especially if you do a lot of freeway riding. I think there really is a difference with newer bikes, as well. A new gsxr is a beast compared to one that's five years older!

Also very important: don't forget to set aside money to buy some good gear! A nice jacket and snell-approved helmet are must-haves. gloves and boots are good to have too. Don't skimp in this area, although it may leave you with less money for a nice bike.

Good luck, ride safe!